Ko's late stumbles leave Jang atop Tour Championship

November 21, 2015 | 09:32

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World number one Lydia Ko of New Zealand stumbled late to leave South Korea's Jang Ha-na atop the leaderboard after Friday's second round of the LPGA Tour Championship.

Lydia Ko of New Zealand. (Photo: AFP/Jung Yeon-Je)

NAPLES, United States: World number one Lydia Ko of New Zealand stumbled late to leave South Korea's Jang Ha-na atop the leaderboard after Friday's (Nov 20) second round of the LPGA Tour Championship.

The 18-year-old Kiwi star, coming off her first major title earlier this year in France, is battling South Korea's second-ranked Park In-bee for a host of awards in this season-ending showdown, including Player of the Year honors as well as season money and point crowns and the top ranking.

Jang, a 23-year-old rookie seeking her first LPGA title after three runner-up efforts this year, fired a seven-under par 65 to finish 36 holes on 10-under 134 with Ko next on 136 after a 67. Jang birdied four of the first six holes and two of the first three on the back nine.

Ko had six birdies in her first 11 holes and level with Jang until her setback at 15. Both players made bogeys at the par-3 16th as well then each birdied 17 and 18 to keep Jang ahead by two.

Americans Cristie Kerr and Jennifer Song shared third on 137 after each firing 69. Another stroke back were France's Karine Icher and Americans Brittany Lincicome and Gerina Piller.

Japan's Ai Miyazato, Scotland's Catriona Matthew, South Korean Kim Sei-Young and Americans Lexi Thompson and Austin Ernset shared eighth on 139.

Park, coming off a win last week in Mexico, fired a 69 with six birdies and three bogeys - the last on 18 - to share 13th on 140.

Park, who won this year's Women's British Open and Women's PGA Championship, must finish at least 12th to have a chance of dethroning Ko as number one, but would need to win to do it if the teen remains among the front runners.

AFP

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